Seattle defender Marc Burch suspended for three games

The defender will miss the rest of the playoffs, including the MLS Cup final if Seattle makes it that far. He will also pay a fine and undergo sensitivity training.

By Keith Hickey

Nov 10, 2012 10:46:00 PM

The season is over for Seattle Sounders defender Marc Burch. The
28-year-old Cincinnati native was given a three-match ban by MLS
commissioner Don Garber on Saturday for using a homophobic slur in
Seattle's 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake on Thursday, Nov. 8. He has
also been fined an undisclosed amount and ordered to attend
diversity and sensitivity training.

Burch released an apology via the Sounders website on Friday, but
that did not appear to lessen his punishment, which is identical to
that given to the Houston Dynamo's Colin Clark for a similar
offense earlier this season.

“Major League Soccer has a zero tolerance policy in response to
this type of behavior from its players or staff,” said Garber.
“While I understand and believe that Mr. Burch is remorseful, Major
League Soccer is committed to providing an environment in which all
individuals are treated with dignity and respect.”

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